When Coverage Begins

When you enroll for medical coverage, which includes prescription drug coverage, you receive ID cards that identify you as a plan member. Carry your card with you because physicians, hospitals and pharmacies will ask to see it when you receive care.

If you need care before you receive your card, or if you lose your card, call your plan for information about your coverage before you receive treatment to be sure the plan you're in covers the treatment you're about to receive. (See Contact Information.)

You do not receive ID cards for your dental and vision coverage. For more information on using your dental and vision benefits, see "Using the Dental Plan" in "Dental Plan" and "Using the Vision Plan" in "Vision Plan."

Coverage begins on the first day of the month following your hire date, which is the first day you report to work, unless modified by your collective bargaining agreement. If your hire date is the first day of the month, your coverage begins the same day.

If you're hospitalized under another benefit plan and you're in the hospital the day county coverage would normally begin, the other plan usually continues to provide your coverage until you're discharged.

When you change coverage during the annual open enrollment, your new coverage begins January 1 of the following year and stays in effect for the entire calendar year, as long as you remain eligible.

When you return from an unpaid leave of absence, your coverage resumes on the first day of the month following your return. If you return on the first day of the month, your coverage resumes the same day.